Fireworks Buyers May Be Ones Popped

Illinois Cops Watch For Any Purchases Coming From Indiana

July 01, 2000|By Annemarie Mannion. Special to the Tribune.

The Cook County Sheriff's Department and other law enforcement agencies are stepping up efforts over the holiday weekend to prevent what has become an annual rite of summer: the transport of 4th of July fireworks over the Illinois-Indiana border.

"We're increasing our patrols along the border by uniformed and undercover officers," said Penny Mateck, a Sheriff's Department spokeswoman.

Firecrackers, bottle rockets and Roman candles are legal in Indiana but illegal in Illinois. The consequences of getting caught bringing illegal fireworks into Illinois include having your car impounded, possible criminal charges and a $500 fine, Mateck said.

Dennis Dybowski, deputy chief of the Calumet City Fire Department, said consumers also need to be aware that laws regulating fireworks in Illinois vary by county and community. For instance, even sparklers are prohibited in Calumet City.

"We'll be out looking [for illegal fireworks], and we'll be following up on complaints from residents about people firing off fireworks and noise," Dybowski said.

Increased enforcement is having an effect in Indiana too.

"They're targeting our businesses and trying to harass our customers," said Brian Beatty, owner of Fireworks International in Indiana.

He estimated about half of his customers are from Illinois. Last year, Fireworks International and two other fireworks businesses filed a federal suit charging harassment by some law enforcement agencies. The suit is pending, Beatty said.

The Cook County Sheriff's Department, however, objects to the tactics that some fireworks businesses are using to attract customers.

One business is offering five gallons of gas for 99 cents a gallon to anyone who buys $50 of fireworks.

"We believe the practice is unethical. It shows that fireworks businesses in Indiana are targeting Illinois consumers," Mateck said.